Inside The Bills

Bills head coach Doug Marrone mentioned it in his season ending press conference. He outlined how there was a variance in the number of sacks they allowed at home in comparison to the number of sacks they allowed on the road. Most presumably expected that more sacks were allowed on the road where Buffalo won just two games in 2013, and they would be right. However, they probably didn’t expect such a dramatic difference.

As we profiled on Buffalobills.com today, Buffalo’s offensive staff is already formulating plans to jump start the pass game in 2014 and part of that plan includes improved protection along with some other elements to keep the quarterback upright. But Marrone made a point of noting the difference in sacks allowed when playing at Ralph Wilson Stadium (or Toronto) compared to on the road.

“We have to do a better job and I think with the year and the (offseason) process we will,” said Marrone when asked about improving the passing game. “I think also it goes up front. I think in how comfortable the quarterback is in the pocket. I think at times, especially at home and that’s the one thing when we get back and start evaluating things, when we’ve been at home we’ve given up quite a bit less sacks and hits on our quarterback at home here at the Ralph. On the road (EJ Manuel) has gotten sacked more and has been hit more. I think that it’s very important for the quarterback position to perform well when he feels comfortable back there. When there is no one around at his feet or getting close to him. As we upgrade or we do a better job with our offensive line (that will happen).”

As you’ll see in the charts below, courtesy of Stats Inc., Buffalo allowed the second-fewest sacks at home with just 10 this past season. On the road however, the Bills surrendered the most sacks in the league with 38.